Ottawa police ask motorists to avoid PSAC picket locations

Tax returns, passports and EI payments could be delayed or not delivered at all after thousands public walk servants walked off the job. Shauna Hunt with what the unions say are the issues at the bargaining table and the impact this strike is having

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is urging motorists to avoid areas where federal workers are picketing.

On Wednesday morning, officers monitored traffic flow at a number of areas where members of the Public Service Alliance of (PSAC) workers have picket lines or large demonstrations set up.

According to police, there was traffic congestion during the morning rush hour near Tunney’s Pasture, Montreal Road and Centrum Boulevard.

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Similar delays are expected to continue for the foreseeable future and commuters who travel these routes are asked to be patient, continue to obey traffic laws and consider alternative routes when possible.

The OPS says it will continue to monitor traffic around identified picket locations and will keep the community updated on any major traffic disruptions.

“Our policing role during legal strike action is to keep the peace and ensure public safety,” said OPS in a release. “We ask everyone participating in or impacted by the strike action to be patient, respectful and courteous at all strike or protest locations.”

For the latest traffic updates, follow @Ottawa_Traffic or visit the interactive traffic map on ottawa.ca.

Ottawa-area picket locations: